XanderI opened my eyes to the warmth of the sun that made its way through the curtains. I didn't know when I slept off after thinking all night about my deal with Bruce.I sat up, my arms reached above my head and my fingers interlocked as I pushed myself, causing my spine to arch slightly and give off a cracking sound to relieve my aching body.“Good morning,” she whispered into my face from the side and her morning breath made its way right through my nostrils, causing me to jump to my feet really fast.It was then I knew that she slept beside me, in my bed!“Lil? What the fuck are you doing there?!” I shouted, as she went back to her lying position, her tousled curls forming a sharp contrast to the pure white sheets. “Nobody sleeps in my bed. Are you insane?! Get the hell up!”She jolted to her feet and watched me, tugging at her fingers and pouting her lips.“Bu— but Xander…”It always surprised me how she seemed like a smart, independent woman on the outside but was a huge pain
Bella My hands were shaky as I poured myself another glass of the amber liquid and the ice cubes clicked against the glass when I threw some in. I had been pushed away cruelly by the man I loved— no, the man I used to love. The same man who gave me the entire world and snatched it away with only a few cold words. I poured the liquid down my throat in a single gulp and the painful burn in my throat that caused me to squeal brought ease to my suffering. I stood up and adjusted my breasts in the blue dress I was wearing. It was the same kind Xander said didn't look great on me and I wore it that day because I didn't give a shit about his opinions on what looked good and what didn't. I was expecting a guest. A really handsome one at that. He brought healing to my aching heart and I didn't know what else to offer him but myself. Every other person left me to rot, including Bernice. I looked at my already packed suitcase, standing at the corner of the room. Bruce and I were going o
BellaMy hands couldn't hold the weight of the sheet of paper and envelope anymore and they fell to the floor. I followed suit, sinking to the floor as well."What is it?" Bruce asked, his face etched with concern. "Is everything alright? What does it say?" He asked again, picking up the paper. He read it really quickly and his mouth wouldn't close. "There must be a mistake. Mr. Rivera can't be my father," my voice trembled. "Tell me it's not true, Bruce. I fucked Hardin. It— can't be. Please tell me it's all a prank. Tell me!""I'm your brother?" Bruce asked and as soon as he did, I ran into the bathroom to throw up. I threw up until it felt like my organs were going to jump out as well.I turned on the tap and bent over in the sink, watching the water mix with the colors of my makeup as I scrubbed hard over my face.I sat on the floor, screaming my lungs out, wondering where I was going to go from here. I stopped suddenly and helped myself up.I walked out and didn't find Bruce the
Bella The next morning, I went out for a run. I needed some air. I had enough and accepted that there was no point crying over spilled milk. If the dead man was my father, then so be it. When I got back, I made myself a glass of warm milk and took out some cake from the refrigerator. It wasn't the most healthy breakfast but who cared? I went in to have a bath and sat on my bed in my robe, deciding what to do that day. The will reading was slated for later that evening and I had already decided that I wasn't going anywhere even if the world fell. With Xander out of my life— because that was how I chose to look at it to feel better, I couldn't show my face at Versa Link to avoid the embarrassment of a lifetime. I couldn't just stay at home without a source of income either. I had quite a lot of money but it wasn't going to last me a lifetime. I remembered that Versa Link and the Rivera group of companies were rivals. This was the perfect punishment for Xander. I decided that I
Bella My heels clicked sharply against the polished floors of the building— A different building. The interior didn't feel like Xander anymore. I clutched my leather portfolio tightly as the reality of the new burden I had found hit. "Let me help you with that," my assistant said, running towards me. "Thank you," I declined. I was now the CEO of an empire I had never in my wildest dreams, anticipated leading. I took a deep inhale as I opened the doors to the boardroom. The eyes of the executives turned towards me and I could read the curiosity and skepticism on their faces. I was bolder than I was at Xander's company. His presence made me a little dependant and I wanted to have him by my side all the time. I swallowed my nerves and smiled. "Good morning everyone," I began with a steady voice. Just as was about to place my things on the table, I fumbled with my coffee cup placing close to my chest, while trying to balance my coffee cup and my phone. The coffee cup slipp
BellaI sat at my desk, scanning the financial reports that the man who I later discovered to be Thomas, had given me a few days ago. The numbers were daunting and I was clueless. Xander really did a thing on the company's finances and I didn't think it would be this bad.I rubbed my temples, already exhausted. I realized that I needed to eat before trying to figure out any of these. I heard a knock on my door and a young lady walked in. From her uniform, I figured out that she was a help around. She was holding a bag. "Ma'am," she started. "Mr. Daniel had me bring you some food."She placed the lunch bag on the table in front of me and opened the zipper carefully. It contained small plates of a full course meal. I waited for the lady to leave before devouring it like I hadn't eaten in ages.I picked up the paper that came flying out after I removed the last plate containing the cake slice. "You need a break. I thought you could use some of this. I hope you like it," the note read an
Bella"This is our best shot. It will be very beneficial," Thomas said, noticing my reservation towards the subject."I suggest you take this offer, ma'am. It will go a long way in saving your company. I'll have my bill emailed to you as soon as possible," he said, standing to his feet. "Thank you for nothing," I mouthed as he walked out. "Set up a meeting with representatives from the company and let me in on how it goes. Let's hear what's on their mind before taking any rash decisions."He nodded in agreement and left the office. I was sure he knew all about me and my connection with Versa Link. Who didn't? It was all over the news. He knew how tricky this was. Facing Xander again this quick, wasn't a part of the plan. Hours turned into days with no response from Versa Link. Xander was trying to toy with my emotions and he was winning. "Should I send a follow-up email?" My assistant asked one of the days while I was pacing the office with a finger in my mouth. She had her tablet
Bella My heart skipped a beat as we locked eyes. No, I never expected him to be there. I looked away quickly, backing him. "He's not here, Bella. Ignore him," I told myself, distracting myself with Daniel. "Excuse me, sir. Can I talk to you for a moment?" A man who had just walked up to us asked Daniel. "I'm an investor and I'm intrigued by your person. You work for Rivera?" The man's approach was sudden and certainly unexpected but we were here to network so I nudged Daniel to go talk with him even though I didn't want him to leave. I was surprised that the investor didn't acknowledge my presence as the CEO of the company but I let that slide. It was still to the same end, which was the growth and progress of the company. I received the little dish in which Daniel had brought me some finger food. I watched them walk together towards the rooftop while I slowly ate. I looked back and Xander wasn't there anymore. "Whew!" I said, relieved. I enjoyed the view of everyone el